As an aspiring dermatologist, I was often curious about the differences between all of the different types of botulism toxins. As it turns out, according to Dr. Cheryl Burgess’ Cosmetic Dermatology, there are four brands and two types currently utilized by physicians: Botox Medical (Allergan), Botox Cosmetic (Allergan), Dysport (Speywood Pharmaceuticals), and Myobloc (Elan Pharmaceuticals). The differences, which are reported from Cosmetic Dermatology, are outlined below.
Botox Medical
Botox Medical is the form of botulism toxin which has been used for the longest amount of time, having been approved by the FDA in 1989. Like Botox Cosmetic and Dysport, it is botulism toxin type A, which is the most potent of all eight serologically distinct botulism toxins. It is currently approved in over 70 countries, and is used for non-cosmetic conditions such as starbismus, blepharospasm, hyperhidrosis, poststroke spasticity, back spasm, and headache.
Botox Cosmetic
Botox Cosmetic was approved by the U.S. FDA in April 2002 for treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines in patients 65 years of age or younger. Like Botox Medical and Dysport, it is potent botulism toxin type A. It is commonly used between the eyebrows, on crow’s feet, horizontal forehead lines, neck lines, melolabial folds, and other hyperkinetic facial lines.
Dysport
Dysport is a third form of botulism toxin type A, but unlike Botox Medical and Botox Cosmetic, is not manufactured by Allergan. Like Botox Medical, Dysport is not currently used for cosmetic purposes anywhere in the world. (Besides, this study found Botox Cosmetic was more effective in treating glabellar lines, anyway.) Dysport has been used in the United Kingdom for medical purposes since the early 1990’s and has been used for blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, and spasmodic torticollis.
Myobloc
Myobloc is distinct from the other three botulism toxins in that it is type B. This is promising, as continued use of one type of botulism toxin leads to the body’s eventual production of neutralizing and nonneutralizing antibodies; however, antibodies to one serotype (say from continued exposure to type A Botox Cosmetic) do not cross-neutralize another serotype (say type B Myobloc). Of course, according to Dr. Cheryl Burgess’ Cosmetic Dermatology, this type of resistance has occurred only in 3-5% of patients. Still, patients in the U.S. can consent to off-label use of Myobloc for cosmetic purposes because Myobloc is FDA approved for the treatment of cervical dystonia, and the safety and efficacy of Myobloc for cosmetic purposes has been demonstrated in several small studies.
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March 17th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, How to Get Rid of..., Wrinkle Treatments |
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L’Oreal Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler ($19.14, Amazon.com) claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a collagen-based filler. According to the company, “in 1 week, 38% saw fewer forehead wrinkles…In 3 weeks, 46% saw fewer forehead wrinkles.” However, similar percentages of satisfaction have been reported for well-packaged placebo products. Still, let’s give L’Oreal Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler a fair assessment, shall we? 
Here goes…
Boswelox®
Boswelox® is the registered trademark name for B. serrata extract. According to a 2004 study in Contact Dermatitis:
“B. serrata is a tree from the Burseraceae family commonly found in India, northern Africa and the Middle East. Strips of its bark yield a gummy oleoresin which contains oils, terpenoids and gum. Its active principle consists of 4 pentacyclic triterpenes, β-boswellic acid being the major one. Extracts of this oleoresin have been used as a folk medicine for centuries in Ayurdevic medicine in India. Boswellic acids have anti-inflammatory properties inhibiting leukotriene biosynthesis via non-competitive inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. Boswellia extract tablets have been employed for asthma, arthritic conditions and ulcerative colitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.” Topical administration for cutaneous burns and ulcers or as a cosmetic agent is increasingly being used in Western countries, although there is limited scientific evidence about its safety and effectiveness.”
According to the study in Contact Dermatitis, only one instance of side effects - contact dermatitis - had been reported at the time, although more instances were anticipated due to the ingredient’s increasing inclusion in cosmetic products. If you experience symptoms, talk to your physician or dermatologist.
Atelocollagen
Atelocollagen has recently been recognized as an effective delivery agent for proteins, DNA, and RNA. Unfortunately, delivery of atelocollagen into the skin has not as of yet been shown to stimulate collagen production. Collagen has only been demonstrated to be an effective hydrating reagent in skin care products.
More of a cosmetic product than anything else
According to the company, the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines is softened and diffused by up to 20% immediately upon use. This is due to two major factors: one, the inclusion of cyclohexasiloxane, which is a silicone-based filler, and two, the hydrating ingredients, which temporarily plump up the skin, creating the illusion of firmness. However, none of the ingredients in this product are well-recognized to stimulate collagen production or relax muscles.
Overall Opinions…
I would not buy this product. With so many collagen-stimulating and wrinkle-relaxing treatments available in the cosmeceuticals market and from your dermatologist, why bother with L’Oreal Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler as merely a cosmetic treatment? Product Rating: 2/10. (Value for the money: 1/3. New technology: 1/3. High concentrations of proven ingredients: 0/3. Sunscreen: 0/1).
Product Ingredients
Water - Aqua , Glycerin , Squalane , Shea Butter - Butyrospermum Parkii , Cyclohexasiloxane , Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate , Poly C10-39 Alkyl Acrylate , Sucrose Stearate , Beeswax - Cera Alba , Cyclopentasiloxane , Sodium Polyacrylate , Stearic Acid , Silica , Paraffin , Dipropylene Glycol , Tocopheryl Acetate , Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer , Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate , Dimethiconol , Manganese Gluconate , Padina Pavonica Extract - Padina Pavonica , Boswellia Serrata Extract - Boswellia Serrata , Sodium Hyaluronate , Atelocollagen , Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate , Silica Dimethyl Silylate , Sodium Hydroxide , Methylparaben , Propylparaben , Chlorphenesin , Phenoxyethanol , Fragrance - Parfum , Butylphenyl Methylpropional , Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone , Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde , Benzyl Salicylate , Linalool , Hexyl Cinnamal , Citronellol
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March 17th, 2008
Posted by
futurederm |
Anti-Aging Treatments, Product Reviews, Worst Products, Worst Products |
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